The first multilingual edition of Gov 2.0 Radio

Last week, I had the honor to co-host the first multilingual edition of Gov 2.0 Radio (http://gov20radio.com).

It went smoothly and I had great fun doing it.

Gov 2.0 Radio's web site says about its vision that "by being an effective, useful and respected channel, we can play a role in accelerating positive change where it's most needed."

Photo: Allison Hornery

Since 2009, I had watched the founder of Gov 2.0 Radio, Adriel Hampton, and later, co-host Allison Hornery, produce and host Gov 2.0 Radio. I faithfully and passionately covered this radio show extensively in 2009 and part of 2010. Every week, I was tweeting live about everything that was discussed at the show, both in English and French, and the following days, I blogged in French about the invited guest(s) and the issues discussed at the show. I did this for many months, hoping that the information about open government, which was produced only in English, would one day cross the barriers of languages, and reach the ears of French-speaking citizens and policy makers. I was hoping that this knowledge about open government would be understood by those who do not speak English.

I really enjoyed the collaboration with Adriel and will always remain grateful, because through him and his guests, I learned a lot about open government and the tremendous efforts of citizens and government managers to implement it. I was, after all, a chosen student, attending the School for gifted newbies of professor of Aracalm (one of Adriel's many virtual identities).

But it came to a point where my eyes would suddenty be flodded with a stream of tears, as I was hearing about all the wonderful projects and initiatives being carried elsewhere, while absolutely nothing was happening at my place. So I had to stop listening, because the pain was getting too hard to bare.

When I met Adriel Hampton in person in Edmonton, in October 2010, he gave me a boost of energy. He told me, from the height of his stature (he is two heads taller than me), "Be bold!". These two words had the effect of thunder and lightning on me. They gave me wings and the courage to propose a bold opengov project, an hybrid multilateral partnership to unify Francophonie around opengov issues.

My project has not been successful. Risk aversion took over it and I was finally told that "the project does not meet business criteria" and that "there is no solution".

But 3 weeks later, the United States and Brazil jointly launched the Open Government Partnership. More tears flowed down my cheeks, on September 20, as I watched more than 40 countries sign the opengov declaration on my computer screen, as this event was streamed live. At least, I was comforted for the relevance of the ideas proposed in the project.

In the fall of 2011, I joined the fantastic Edgeryders team of the Council of Europe. Because all the doors had been closed on me, I let others try to walk in the direction I had pointed. They created Démocratie ouverte.org, a we-blog, set up at the beginning of 2012 by lobbyists Jean-Francois Gauthier (in Quebec) and Cyril Lage (in France).

They organized a barcamp meeting in Paris in April 2012 (GouvCamp).

I am thankful that for months, Allison Hornery has been closely following the evolution of opengov in the Francophonie world. She was reminding me from time to time, that she was observing what was (not!) happening. When she proposed a first bilingual edition of Gov 2.0 Radio, I was totally thrilled by this proposal. It had an illuminating effect in my mind, as I immediately saw the show's influence extend its action to all people and all languages​​.

The first multilingual edition of Gov 2.0 Radio was an interview of Jean-François Gauthier (an Edgeryders participant) a lobbyist consultant from Loran Technologies, wrapping up the GouvCamp, which took place in Paris on April 10, 2012. Allison asked a series of questions in English, and as co-host, I repeated approximately the same questions in French. The interview conducted in French, however, was much more complete and detailed, as I had more time with the guest to go deeper and discuss, not only about Quebec and France, but the overall situation encompassing all countries of the Francophonie .

From the beginning, I believed in what Gov 2.0 Radio does, in its mission, in its influence, and its active role to identify and support change.

Now that this first multilingual edition went well, there is an opportunity to repeat this experience, and slowly build a multilingual programme, from which opengov and innovation can expand, in the long run, in all languages and all countries around the world.

If you have suggestions of non-anglophone guests, passionate activists, government officials, organization managers, innovators, thinkers, etc., building our future, please, do not hesitate to share your recommendations!

I send a big hug of gratitude to Allison and her partner from Cofluence, John Wells. Read more about Gov 2.0 Radio's plans for 2012. (P.S. The first multilingual edition has not yet been released. Stay tuned!)

Le passage du virtuel au réel est l'étincelle qui inspire le changement

J'ai très hâte de participer à la rencontre Edgeryders de juin prochain, qui se déroulera à Strasbourg les 14-15 et 16-17 juin.

• Découvrez comment vous pouvez être invité(e)s en tant que citoyen expert
• Programme et info

Il est rare que des «amis virtuels» puissent être rencontrés en aussi grand nombre dans le monde réel, et cela est toujours très émouvant. Cela donne lieu à la publication de nombreux contenus, dont par exemple, des albums photos sur Flickr, des billets et des compte-rendu d'événement, et des milliers de gazouillis.

Mais surtout, les liens dans le réel consolident les relations et les amitiés créées auparavant dans le virtuel, qui peuvent ensuite se maintenir pendant de nombreuses années. Ces liens donnent lieu à une explosion d'idées et déclenchent des collaborations.

C'est l'étincelle qui déclenche un changement.

J'ai assisté à une conférence sur le gouvernement ouvert en octobre 2010 (Beyond Edmonton en Alberta, Canada), où plusieurs «amis virtuels» ont été réunis (des gens de la sphère du gouvernement ouvert et des utilisateurs du site Empire Avenue).

Passer du temps et discuter avec Adriel Hampton, entre autre, m'a donné des ailes, un incroyable boost d'énergie et d'espoir, pour entreprendre des projets par la suite. Deux mois plus tard, j'ai conçu avec John F Moore le projet Gouvernement ouvert et Francophonie (qui ressemble à l'Open Government Partnership, lancé 10 mois plus tard conjointement par les États-Unis et le Brésil).

De plus, me retrouver entourée d'amis virtuels, avec qui je partageais beaucoup de rêves, d'idées et d'affinités, fut ce qui m'a aidée à me forger une très forte identité de militante de gouvernement ouvert.

Par conséquent, je m'attends à ce qu'un phénomène semblable se reproduise, avec la conférence Edgeryders de juin à Strasbourg, mais toutefois, avec un plus grand impact et rayonnement. Déjà, je saute de joie rien qu'à l'idée de pouvoir bientôt tenir mes amis par la main, leur faire une bise, les entendre parler et discuter avec eux.

The women style of being

Lucyanna made a comment about "Powerful women with male characteristics".

These women mastered how to play the game, to act by the rules of men. I don't blame them, they attempt to gain recognition within the existing rules.

But sometimes, we see women put in positions of power, because of specific female abilities. Other times, women make strange declarations that men could never think of.

Christine Lagarde

One example that comes to my mind is Christine Lagarde, when she formalized her candidacy for the general direction of IMF in May 2011. She is currently the 9th most powerful woman in the world, according to Forbes. 'The selection of the head of the IMF or the World Bank should be based on merit, competence and transparently', hammered Pranab Mukherjee. It turned out that among her assets, the fact that she had less testosterone than most people among candidates was a decisive element for her.

So an excess of testosterone is not recommended in high positions of power... (ie sex). Male attributes were disqualified, and for the first time, a woman has been positioned as DG of IMF.

Gunilla Carlsson

My second example is something that caught my attention last year.

Sweden launched on April 4, 2011 a website that allows taxpayers to see what happens to public financing money, in regards to development aid projects. This website aims to fight against corruption.

“You have transparency or not,” said Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation Ministry for Foreign Affairs Gunilla Carlsson at a Bank-IMF Spring Meetings open data event. “It's like being half pregnant. You can't be half pregnant. This is something we have to do.” (ref Open data opens bank)

Gunilla Carlsson used the female experience of motherhood to make an association to the concept of transparency!

Gilda Farrell

My third example is the great woman who is behind the Edgeryders project, Gilda Farrell, Head of the Social Cohesion Research and Early Warning Division, Directorate of Democracy at the Council of Europe. I admire her and I love listening to her talk. There is much wisdom and experience in her words.

When the platform was launched, back in November 2011, blog posts were written to present the Edgeryders team members. I really enjoyed how Gilda Farrell talked about her son. (ref, Meet the team: Gilda)

'Lastly, there is a personal reason for my involvement (at Edgeryders). I am a mother. I have a son who is an engineer and I found myself having to encourage and support him when going through tough selective processes to become employed after graduation. Rather than encouraging him, the first experiences destroyed his self-confidence. Employers were requiring abstract leading and cooperation skills while his technical knowledge was not valued. And now that he’s eventually succeeded, he told me that he would’ve wanted, whilst in university, to be trained in managing human relations and in dealing with hierarchical positions and communication at the workplace. He had to learn all of these through experience.'

Her experience with her son gave her the necessary determination and I am convinced that it helped her persuade the Council of Europe to agree to set up the experimental Edgeryders project.

When women are themselves, when they are true and when they speak with their hearts, it gives rise to opportunities, which differ from the manners laid out by men.

Malcolm Cox représentera Edgeryders au gouvcamp Paris

Malcolm Cox représentera l’équipe Edgeryders du Conseil de l’Europe au gouvcamp se déroulant à Paris le mardi 10 avril 2012.

Cet événement est organisé par Démocratie ouverte, un nouveau collectif regroupant des citoyens de plusieurs pays francophones, dont le Québec, la France et la Tunisie. Les participants de cet événement seront invités à contribuer à la construction de Parlement & Citoyens, une plateforme open source dédiée aux parlementaires qui souhaitent associer les citoyens à la rédaction de leurs propositions de Lois. Première initiative de ce genre en France, ce gouvcamp vise également à attirer l’attention des élus et des citoyens, à la veille des élections présidentielles et législatives françaises, sur les solutions proposées par l’Open Government (gouvernement ouvert).

Malcolm Cox est assistant de recherche à la Division de la cohésion sociale, de la recherche et d'alerte précoce, DGII – Démocratie, au Conseil de l’Europe. Les projets sur lesquels il travaille comprennent, Edgeryders (un groupe de réflexion en ligne portant sur les jeunes en transition, permettant d’améliorer leur voix dans l'élaboration des politiques); Bien-être et indicateurs de responsabilité sociale partagée pour plus d'élaboration de la politique locale efficace; Droits de l'homme pour ceux en situation de pauvreté; ainsi que de la recherche concernant les communes, la protection des générations futures, et la planification sociale.

Consulter le site du gouvcamp Paris. Lire aussi l’article du Soleil, «Gouvcamp 2.0 en France».

Suivez Malcolm Cox sur Twitter: @MarukomuC. Rejoignez Malcom sur son réseau LinkedIn.

Alessia, agility to reconsider everything

Appearances are deceiving, as you may know. You should certainly not rely on what will reveal your eyes, if you ever meet Alessia Zabatino, who is passionate about social innovation. The stylish young Italian is graceful as a ballerina. She is frail. She is tiny. But her mind is so bright! Her strength - is it her secret? - what allows her to reconsider everything, from which springs her creativity and perpetual questioning, she draws it from the greatness of what lies inside her. Because in order to be able do that, you need to live without limits. I do not mean to pretend living in a James Bond movie. Living dangerously. Not at all! I mean freedom of the spirit, with no barriers, an expanding mind.

Stagnation, corruption, mafia, risk aversion, are factors that hinder the evolution of governments and organizations. They drove Alessia to preach about creativity and collaboration. Dialogue between stakeholders, internal and external, is a must for her. She seeks to engage individuals in a transformation. By trying to motivate collective intelligence, Alessia hopes to change old values ​​rooted in the culture of governments.

How to overcome the rigidities to instill change? She first tried to influence authorities by demonstrating in the streets. She was rudely shaken during a demonstration to the point of breaking bones. "I felt defeated, disillusioned," she said. It could have been more than enough to cut her off from showing further interest in improving public policy. However, an ardent desire burns in Alessia, who will not likely return to the streets, but nevertheless continues to seek ways to raise awareness about the concept of social intelligence. For Alessia, creativity is the lever for systems renewal. She distinguishes herself by a process of differentiation. She only needs to adjust the intensity of each component in the system nesting, and to size the best approach for processing more agility.

I understand Alessia a little better now that I see that her mind tends to an absence of limits --- which is really the true nature of our mind, and a goal towards which we should all strive. I now understand why she talks about "her prisons", and I see why she got criticized for being "too good" and "too excellent in school." This is a complaint I often hear about me as well. Alessia, I would like to tell you to believe in yourself. If society has too many closed spaces, fly away (inward).

I invite you to read her mission reports:
Addiopizzo. Aware consumers against the Mafia system;
13 variations on a Baroque theme;
My Ithaca. Notice to Mariners.

ANDREI, agility to find the right thing to say

Tall (and I stress the word tall) blond with square jaws, Andrei Trubceac exudes calmness and self-control. Perhaps he feels like screaming (see "Interview with a Romanian activist" by Noemi Salantiu), but nevertheless he stands bolt upright. He looks at you straight in the eye. Despite his tall stature, his eyes are filled with goodness, with no trace of arrogance. He's only 23, but you would be surprised at how mature he seems to be. Andrei lives in Klausenburg, Cluj, Romania, and he comes from Orhei. He is currently looking for opportunities in the field of international development, in the area of peace and conflict. See also "Anti-ACTA activists of the world, unite!" and "At the edge of conflict and mixed identity".

If someone asks him a question for which he has no answer, he will ask you politely to give him a few minutes to formulate his thoughts, without letting anything show in his expression. Thereafter, he will respond calmly, weighing every word.

Andrei is completing studies in international relations. He seems to have chosen the right discipline that really suits him. He guessed right away that he is able to embody the right direction and is equipped to help people come to agreements. Maybe I'm wrong, but he does seem to have the makings of an ambassador. He listens respectfully, and I am grateful that he is not a chatterbox. I am convinced he would not make unsubstantiated or irrelevant claims.

In addition, he has a keen eye to identify situations that lack substance. He can tell you about things which nobody has thought of before, in the most natural way. This could enable him to develop a keen sense of assessment and the ability to deal with gray or undefined zones: what it takes to juggle with ambiguity.

He can also recognize the value of people and he is capable of expressing positive comments about them.

Andrei, who calls himself @TOOLosophy on Twitter, is able to observe attentively and keep cool in various situation, while finding the right thing to do or to say. Even if he speaks with caution and discernment, he does it with flexibility, therefore he probably on his way to develop strong skills for compromise and negotiation... always useful in conflicts, wouldn't you say?

ANDREI, l'agilité qui permet de trouver ce qu'il convient de dire

Grand (et j'insiste sur le grand) blond aux deux mâchoires carrées, Andrei Trubceac respire le calme et la maîtrise de soi. II rêve peut-être de hurler (voir "Interview with a Romanian activist" de Noemi Salantiu), mais néanmoins il se tient droit comme un piquet. Il vous regarde droit dans les yeux. Malgré sa grande stature, ses yeux sont pleins de bonté et vous n'y trouverez aucune trace d'arrogance. Il n'a que 23 ans, mais vous seriez surpris à quel point il semble mature. Andrei vit à Klausenburg, Cluj, en Roumanie, et il est originaire de Orhei, et est à la recherche d'opportunités dans le domaine du développement international et ce qui concerne la paix et les conflits. Voir aussi "Anti-ACTA activists of the world, unite!" et "At the edge of conflict and mixed identity".

Si quelqu'un lui pose une question à laquelle in ne sait que répondre, il vous demandera poliment de lui accorder quelques minutes pour formuler ses pensées, sans laisser transparaître quoi que ce soit. Par la suite, il répondra calmement, en pesant chaque mot.

Andrei termine des études en relations internationales. Il semble avoir choisi la bonne discipline qui lui convient. Il a deviné d'emblée qu'il est en mesure d'incarner le bon sens et qu'il est outillé pour aider les gens à s'accorder. Peut-être que je me trompe... aurait-il l'étoffe d'un ambassadeur? Il écoute respectueusement et j'apprécie le fait qu'il n'est pas un moulin à paroles. Je suis persuadée qu'il ne s'avancerait pas avec des déclarations non fondées ou non pertinentes.

En plus, il a un œil perçant pour discerner les situations qui manquent de substance. Il vous sert le plus naturellement du monde du jamais vu sur certaines choses, auxquelles personne n'a encore jamais songé auparavant. Par conséquent, j'entrevois que cela pourrait lui permettre de développer un sens aigu de l'évaluation et la capacité de composer avec des zones grises: ce qu'il faut pour jongler avec l'ambiguïté.

Il sait également reconnaître la valeur des gens et il est capable d'exprimer des commentaires positifs à leur égard. Andrei, qui a choisi de s'appeler @TOOLosophy sur Twitter, est capable d'observer attentivement et de garder son sang froid dans les situation, tout en trouvant la bonne chose à faire ou à dire. Même s'il s'exprime avec prudence et discernement, il possède de la souplesse, ce qui laisse envisager qu'il développera probablement des habiletés pour les compromis et la négociation.

ALESSIA, l'agilité qui permet de tout reconsidérer

Les apparences sont trompeuses, comme vous le savez peut-être. Il ne faudrait surtout pas vous fier à ce que vous révéleront vos yeux, si jamais vous rencontrez Alessia Zabatino, qui se passionne pour l'innovation sociale. L'élégante jeune italienne est gracieuse comme une ballerine. Elle est frêle. Elle est menue. Mais elle est si vive! Sa force - son secret que je crois avoir percé - ce qui lui permet de reconsidérer toutes choses, d'où jaillit sa créativité et d'où provient sa faculté de remise en cause perpétuelle, elle la puise dans la grandeur de ce qu'il y a à l'intérieur d'elle. Car pour arriver à faire cela, il faut pouvoir vivre sans limite. Je ne veux pas dire de vivre comme dans un film de James Bond. Vivre dangereusement. Pas du tout. Je parle de la liberté de l'esprit, l'absence de barrières, l'esprit en expansion.

Immobilisme, corruption, mafia, aversion au risque, sont autant de facteurs qui freinent l’évolution des gouvernements et des organisations, et qui ont poussé Alessia à prêcher la créativité et la collaboration. Le dialogue entre les acteurs, internes et externes, s'avère un incontournable à ses yeux. Elle cherche à engager les individus dans la transformation. En tentant de motiver l'intelligence collective, Alessia espère modifier les vielles valeurs ancrées dans la culture des gouvernements.

Comment surmonter les fortes rigidités au changement? Elle a d'abord tenté d'influencer les autorités en manifestant dans les rues. Elle a été rudement secouée lors d'une manifestation, au point de se rompre les os. «Je me sentais vaincue, désillusionnée», a-t-elle confié. Cela aurait pu être amplement suffisant pour lui couper tout intérêt pour l'amélioration des politiques gouvernementales. Cependant, l'ardent désir gronde de plus belle en Alessia, qui ne retournera probablement pas dans les rues, mais elle continue néanmoins de chercher des façons d'amener une prise de conscience à propos du concept d'intelligence sociale. Pour Alessia, la créativité est le levier de renouvellement des systèmes. Elle se distingue par une démarche de différenciation. Il ne lui reste plus qu'à moduler l'intensité de chacun des volets dans le système d'imbrication, et de dimensionner au mieux l'approche de transformation vers plus d'agilité.

Je comprends Alessia un peu mieux, maintenant que j'aperçois son esprit tendant vers l'absence de limites --- ce qui est par ailleurs la véritable nature de notre esprit, et ce vers quoi nous devrions tous tendre. Je comprends pourquoi elle parle de «ses prisons», et j'entrevois aussi pourquoi elle s'est fait reprocher d'être «trop bonne» et «trop performante à l'école». C'est un reproche que j'entends souvent à mon sujet également. Alessia, j'ai envie de te dire de croire en toi. Si la société comporte trop d'espaces fermés, envole-toi!

Je vous invite à lire ses rapports de mission:
Addiopizzo. Aware consumers against the Mafia system;
13 variations on a Baroque theme;
My Ithaca. Notice to Mariners.

TIAGO, agility to break down barriers of the mind

He has so much sweetness in the eyes that we want to blend into this haven of empathy and enjoy the freedom of being without moving. The young Tiago Dias Miranda (@normaluser) longs for peace. He is looking for solutions that would alleviate conflicts between peoples. If the authorities fail to reach an agreement, never mind, it does not stop Tiago, who realized that civilians are ready to move on and aspire only to live a life of calm and harmony. He concocted his "plan" of action and he is ready to test it. See his report "I've got a plan!".

This young designer for Social development with a beaming face is gifted to free spirits and push people to creativity. "Let yourself go, do not be afraid to dream," he will tell you. Because he knows that one must first let the imagination work in order for projects to be realized, for it is in the willingness to enter into the unknown that exists the field of all possibilities. Tiago helps people to surrender to the creative mind that orchestrates the dance of life. I find it rather remarkable that Tiago, at such a young age, has developed the wisdom of uncertainty. He is not afraid to lead others to make uncertainty their way to freedom. Read his report entitled "Life Journey".

In a jiffy, he will quickly help you visualize your ideas by sketching links between them. Entrust him with some colored pens and he will lie down on paper, clearly and concisely, all that you have in mind...

Tiago has in him the essence of what it takes to help people implement change: kindness and concern for the Others, combined with a great capacity to dream (and thereby to create). Defenders of peace and other universal causes, what are you waiting for? Come and recruit him!

P.S. Note to girls: Since he is capable of universal love, he will love you as you are and for what you are. Those who are afraid to love, please refrain...

Tell us what you like about Tiago. What thoughts crossed your mind when reading his reports? Do you have something you would like to share with Tiago?

Tiago, l’agilité qui fait tomber les barrières de l’esprit

Il a tellement de douceur dans les yeux qu’on a envie de se fondre dans ce havre d’empathie et savourer sans bouger la liberté de l’être. Le jeune http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifTiago Dias Miranda (@normaluser) aspire à la paix. Il se creuse la tête pour trouver des solutions qui permettraient d’adoucir les conflits entre les peuples. Si les autorités ne parviennent pas à un accord, qu’à cela ne tienne, cela n’arrête pas Tiago, qui a constaté que les civils sont prêts à tourner la page et n’aspirent qu’à vivre une vie de calme et d’harmonie. Il a concocté son «plan» d’intervention et il est prêt à le tester. Voir son rapport intitulé "I’ve got a plan!"

Ce jeune designer pour le développement social au visage rayonnant est doué pour libérer les esprits et pousser les gens à la créativité. «Laissez-vous aller, n’ayez pas peur de rêver», vous dira-t-il. Car il a compris qu’il faut d’abord laisser œuvrer l’imagination pour que se réalisent des projets. Car c’est dans la volonté d’entrer dans l’inconnu qu’existe le champ de toutes les possibilités. Tiago aide les gens à s’abandonner à l’esprit créatif qui orchestre la danse de la vie. Je trouve cela plutôt remarquable que ce jeune Tiago, à un si jeune âge, ait développé la sagesse de l’incertitude. Il ne craint pas d’entraîner les autres à faire de l'incertitude leur chemin vers la liberté. Lisez son rapport intitulé "Life journey".

En deux temps trois mouvements, il vous aidera à visualiser vos idées en esquissant rapidement des liens entre celles-ci. Confiez-lui quelques feutres de couleur et il vous couchera sur papier de façon claire et concise tout ce qui vous trotte dans la tête…

Tiago possède en lui l’essentiel de ce qu’il faut pour aider les gens à implanter le changement: la bonté et le souci de l’Autre, combinés à une grande capacité de rêver (et par le fait même de créer). Défenseurs de la paix et autres causes universelles, qu’attendez-vous? Venez le recruter!

P.S. Avis aux filles: Puisqu’il est capable d’amour universel, il vous aimera telle que vous êtes et pour ce que vous êtes. Celles qui ont peur d’aimer, s’abstenir…

Expliquez-nous ce qui vous plaît chez Tiago. Quelles pensées traversent votre esprit à la lecture de ses rapports de mission? Avez-vous des choses à partager avec Tiago?

Laye Kanté, a vision of open data extending to Francophonie

Abdoulaye Kanté is a consultant in information technology for development (ICT4D) and social media. He is the co-founder of the Link4Dev Group, which advises and supports the development of organizations and States to implement process optimization and productivity through the use of information technology and communication.

His vision of open data extends beyond the African continent, to the Francophonie. He recently founded the Forum francophone des données ouvertes, and dreams about gathering through a conference, a community of open data and open government experts in Dakar, Senegal.

Earlier this year, he wished that his government, Senegal, would have become the Francophone State flagship of the Open Government and Francophonie Project (created by open government activists Lyne Robichaud and JohnFMoore, see the mission report, Longing for open government).

Laye was assigned with high responsibilities as ICT4D manager at NGO Enda Lead Francophone Africa, as well as technical adviser for a number the Department of Information Technology and Communication (ICT) of the Government of Senegal. His areas of expertise are public ICT policies in the context of developing countries and analysis of usage arising from the wave of the Internet community (open data, open government, open innovation, business 2.0, e-gov and mobile development. Laye Kanté is very familiar with the context of the ICT in sub-Saharan countries and is a member of several networks of experts working for the development of information technology in Africa.

Read more about Laye
http://edgeryders.ppa.coe.int/users/laye

Ampat Koshy rides on the wings of love: Autism for Help Village

When parents have to fight and advocate for their children, they find renewed hope and strength, because they love their children with every part of their being. Everyday brings unique challenges that can wear us down, or build us up. Parents of autistic children often run out to look for solutions. But parents have something very special, that any healthcare or social worker professionals cannot offer: they value differences and know a love and appreciation deeper than most.

Ampat Koshy, an assistant professor teaching English litterature, has his mind filled with poetry and love. He found wings he may have never thought he had. His son is autistic and he decided to do something to help his community by founding the Autism for Help Village http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/autism-for-help-village-project-india. He said that this is his lifetime project. He aims to bring adequate educational, therapeutic, medical, vocational, and other assistance to the unserved, autistic children/peoples, and their families and caregivers, in the communities of south India.

"You have started a trip, you have a long way to walk, many of us want to share that trip with you, we can keep learning together at the Village of Equity [the Autism for Help Village]", said Ternura Rojas, Ph.D, Pharmacist, Expert in environment/food science.

Ampat inspires others and shows children amazing and unconditional love. He is hoping that parents and caregivers will receive long-term support, acceptance, and inclusion. Let us hope that Ampat will keep dreaming, loving, sharing, finding hope and strength. We need more people like Ampat in this world!

Read more about Ampat
Autism Village Project http://edgeryders.ppa.coe.int/spotlight-social-innovation/mission_case/autism-village-project

Marko Rakar, a Don Quixote vision about the power of transparency

Some are just really talented at making waves! Believe it or not, vigilantes, modern Cervante's Don Quixote still exist today. However, their adventures aren't in knight-errantry, but more about data transparency. In true democracies, information belongs to the public. More often than not, the only remedies to democratic defects comes from determined citizens taking the initiative to do something that serves the public interest.

Marko Rakar, a well known data transparency and open governance activist, made a stir in his country on several occasions. He runs Croatia's largest blog, Pollitika.com. He is recognized by World eGovernment forum as one of the "Top 10 who are changing the world of politics on the Internet".

In 2009, with a group of people, Marko published a Croatian fraud-ridden voter registry files. Marko's group created a simple search engine, which showed number of registered voters on particular adress so anyone was able to check for his household or his neighbours how many registered voters are there. This triggered a constitution crisis and reform effort in Croatia.

He recently published an enormous database of government procurements, pointing to detecting corruption and fraud. "It is easy to track and identify "winners" in the public procurement field and it is really easy to spot highly unusual contractors," explained Marko.

Read more about Marko
http://edgeryders.ppa.coe.int/users/mrakar

Michel Fillippi, a connected philosopher observes systems and models new ones

Michel Filippi describes himself as an experimental philosopher. He has a strong presence in social media and applies his philosophical discoveries to various fields: business strategy, product design, e-learning, innovation and training. He practices a philosophy that relates to generic philosophy, by no means the science of science, not the ultimate knowledge about all knowledge.

Michel sees philosophy as a good companion, allowing to look into situations and systems, a way to organize what we perceive in a different way, through an exploration of the human being. Everywhere he goes, Michel is a good companion: he discusses with many and helps people think.

He creates models of situations, operations and relationships. His models, accurate examinations of any moment, show that any actor is involved in several situations and therefore simultaneously holds different roles. Models produce a variety of knowledge, explanations, forms, allow to test their existence in a continuous manner.

For Michel, the problem of leadership is related to the definition that we give it and our definition of the world, ie the first individual to which this definition refers. Michel believes open government needs to develop a model of the world, at least describe it, have it explored. Innovation should be guarded against any predetermination. Open access requires the design of new tools for processing such data, because all data processing tools require prior specifications. One of his models predicted that the more new data is available, the more ordinary actions, having already taken place, are being justified.

Read more about Michel

― Comment je suis devenu philosophe http://edgeryders.ppa.coe.int/share-your-ryde/mission_case/comment-je-suis-devenu-philosophe

― Un philosophe a-t-il son mot à dire sur l'open government? http://edgeryders.ppa.coe.int/we-people/mission_case/un-philosophe-t-il-son-mot-%C3%A0-dire-sur-lopen-government

― "Data". Que sont les data dans un projet de gouvernement ouvert? http://edgeryders.ppa.coe.int/spotlight-open-government/mission_case/data-que-sont-les-data-dans-un-projet-de-gouvernement-ouvert

― Des hommes et de notre civilisation http://edgeryders.ppa.coe.int/shine-some-light/mission_case/des-hommes-et-de-notre-civilisation

John F Moore, a vision of worldwide collaboration

His drive for making society better and doing something worthwhile is bigger than his fear of failure. He has the courage to refuse to play small. Courage is contagious! One brave innovator sparks the pilot light that encourages others to think big and act bold. It takes guts to get out of the lunatic fringe where new breakthroughs are found, encourage people to write about dumb processes and bad systems that limit potential.

Meet John F Moore, founder and CEO of Government in the Lab ― http://govinthelab.com, the online magazine for government and politicis across the world. He preaches that open government creates jobs. He embraces change without batting an eyelash, deals with turmoil with serene calmness. Through chaos, he always sees opportunities for action and for business. Throughout his career, it became increasingly clear to John that open communication, honest dialog, is a key component for success for all individuals, organizations, and governments.

John's vision of open government is a worldwide collaboration. He invites all to participate in making his online magazine better, by constantly requesting input and encouraging action. He has the ability to increase optimism, raise energy, and momentum: he creates movement. John enhances and disseminates knowledge created through collaborative and productive relationships locally, nationally and worldwide.

If you take the time to know John, you will find out it is time to start dreaming again, test new ideas, try new things and challenge the status quo. And even be wrong.

Read more about John

― A vision for open government http://edgeryders.ppa.coe.int/bootcamp/mission_case/vision-open-government-worldwide-collaboration

― Open government data is world-wide, gaining in priority, and creating jobs http://edgeryders.ppa.coe.int/spotlight-open-government/mission_case/open-government-data-world-wide-gaining-priority-and-creating

― Hacking for change ― Mapping our way to a global vision of positive change http://edgeryders.ppa.coe.int/bootcamp/mission_case/mapping-our-way-global-vision-positive-change

The dark side of humanity

This post is one of my comments, in a discussion about Agustina Piedrabuena's excellent Edgeryders mission report on open government.

I really like this quote from George Bernard Shaw: "Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything."

I seek to know what are the thoughts of leaders.

Photo: Marie-France Hirigoyen

These past years, as a personal interest, I documented myself about manipulators. I looked at the work of psychiatrists. Dr Marie-France Hirigoyen, a French psychiatrist specialized in bullying in the work place and harassment, describes the behavior of manipulators with great magnificient details. In what was initially a personal research, I realized that several of these behaviors can be observed among decision makers. While some may accept to change, Hirigoyen underlines that for a category of individuals in particular, there is nothing to do, nothing to expect.

HIRIGOYEN: "A person completely devoid of empathy, devoid of respect for others, that he/she considers as useful objects for their needs of power and authority. He/she needs to crush to exist. His/her victims remain fragile and malleable because of their thirst for love and recognition.

They can not stand to be wrong, do not have open and constructive discussions, they openly flout their victims, they do not hesitate to denigrate. They do it subtly, by allusions, just as destructive, but invisible to the unsuspecting eye.

They are insensitive, without affect. In this way, they do not suffer. If they were aware of their suffering, there could be a start of something for them.

These are individuals facing megalomania as a reference. They set themselves as a standard of good and evil, a standard of truth. They are often credited with a sanctimonious air of superiority and remoteness. Even if they say nothing, others feel at fault. They point to their impeccable moral values ​​that gives a good image of themselves. They denounce human malevolence. They have a total lack of interest and empathy for others, but they want others to be interested in them. They criticize everyone, allow no questioning and no complaint. They point faults in others, as a way to avoid seeing their own faults.

They are often described as bright and attractive people. Once the fish is caught, they just keep hanging to it as they are needed. Others does not exist, others are not seen, others are not heard, others are only useful.

Their critical function is exacerbated, therefore they spend their time criticizing everything and everyone. In this way, they remain in the omnipotence. If the others are not competent, therefore they fell necessarily better than them.

The most important thing is to understand that the manipulator does not change, EVER.

You can never get from him/her any recognition, remorse, regrets, apologies. The only thing you can do is protect yourself."

And Hirigoyen concludes with this: "It does not call into question the notion of humanity, it challenges our ideals. ONE IS FORCED TO ACCEPT THE DARK SIDE OF HUMANITY."

There is a bright side to Humanity. By contributing to creating a model of "luminous man", I am hoping that diversification in leadership models will eventually have those locked in the dark side be eliminated from political circles and governments. I do not want any dark side leaders in an open government environment. Please go away, dark side leaders! Step out!

In my twenties, I had a picture of Yoda above my bed. Star Wars had a really deep effect on me!

Read more about this discussion at Edgeryders.

En quoi consiste Edgeryders?

Voici un billet rédigé spécialement pour le nouveau blogue 'Democratieouverte.org', qui présente Edgeryders à la communauté francophone.

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Que se passe-t-il lorsque quelqu'un a une idée innovante qui contribuerait à rendre le monde meilleur? Cette idée est-elle encouragée? De quelles façons se comportent les gouvernements face aux idées nouvelles? Les personnes qui innovent arrivent-elles à gagner leur vie suffisamment bien? Apparemment, ce n'est pas le cas. Les grands penseurs sont pauvres. Même que toute une génération n'arrive pas à atteindre son plein potentiel.

Le groupe de réflexion Edgeryders tente de déchiffrer en quoi consiste la précarité lors de circonstances inhabituelles. Edgeryders, un projet conjoint du Conseil de l'Europe et de la Commission européenne, est dirigé par la Division pour le développement de la cohésion sociale et alerte précoce du Conseil de l'Europe.

Le paradoxe est que la jeune génération actuelle est probablement plus que jamais créative, généreuse, idéaliste, et collaboratrice. Des jeunes créent leur propre emploi, semblant tout droit sorti de nulle part, avec des projets d'entreprises entièrement nouvelles. Ils vivent en dehors des sentiers battus. Ils vivent et pensent autrement. Ils véhiculent des valeurs différentes. En intégrant ces capacités, cette génération s'affaire à construire le monde dans lequel nous vivrons demain.

Par le biais de «petits paquets de recherche», les participants de Edgeryders sont appelés à réfléchir sur plusieurs grandes problématiques. Avec ce que l'on pourrait qualifier d'approche adaptative, le Conseil de l'Europe se penche sur chacune de ces expériences, qui sont validées grâce à l'évaluation par les pairs, et les utilisera pour proposer à la Commission européenne et à ses États membres une nouvelle stratégie.

Dans un premier temps, COMPRENDRE. Le Conseil de l'Europe cherche à constater que les luttes des jeunes, si difficilement traversées pour arriver à mettre quelque chose sur pied, indiquent qu'il s'agit de préoccupations profondes, et correspondent à ce que ces gens veulent vraiment. Que font ces jeunes dès maintenant pour construire le monde que nous habiterons dans 20 ans? La première partie de l'exercice consiste à repenser les objectifs des politiques publiques.

Dans un second temps, AIDER. Créer des conditions pour que les stratégies - qui exigent présentement beaucoup d'ingéniosité et d'abnégation, et ne sont accessible qu'à une minorité - deviennent viables pour la moyenne des jeunes. Cette partie de l'exercice consiste à repenser la conception des politiques elles-mêmes.

Et troisièmement, S'ABSTENIR. S'il n'est pas possible de leur venir en aide, cesser de mettre des bâtons dans les roues, arrêter de projeter sur ces gens un modèle qui ne leur convient plus.

Dans plusieurs des histoires des participants Edgeryders, nous pouvons entrevoir une trame de fond, «Je suis seul maintenant, mais je ne le serai plus dans l'avenir». Le ton général est grave, parfois même associée à de la tristesse, étant donné que certains ou la plupart vivent dans la précarité, et qu'ils se sentent personnellement responsables de nos transitions. Suffisamment responsables pour être en mesure d'effectuer des changements qui sont parfois douloureux.

La troisième campagne Edgeryders, intitulée "We the people" (http://edgeryders.ppa.coe.int/campaign/we-people), lancée le 9 janvier 2012, comporte un volet d'analyse portant sur le gouvernement ouvert (la mission "Spotlight: open government" http://edgeryders.ppa.coe.int/we-people/spotlight-open-government). Plusieurs participants se sont penchés sur les problématiques qui concernent le développement des données ouvertes et du gouvernement ouvert. Les problématiques propres au milieu francophone ont été abordées, mais il y aurait lieu de continuer d'en discuter, d'approfondir et de chercher des solutions, par le biais de ce groupe de réflexion, étant donné que les recommandations seront déposées à 47 États membres, dont plusieurs sont francophones.

Je participe à Edgeryders avec un double chapeau:
- Je fais partie de l'équipe qui pilote ce projet, à titre de Engagement manager. Mon rôle est d'inciter des citoyens à participer, et les guider sur la plate-forme Edgeryders et le déroulement du projet à travers le temps, une fois qu'ils sont inscrits.
- Je fais également partie de la catégorie des «penseurs pauvres». J'ai proposé un projet de gouvernement ouvert, une grande vision de développement qui s'étendait à toute la Francophonie et au-delà. Ce projet a été rejeté. Je me suis fait refuser l'accès à un programme d'emploi pour travailleurs autonomes: un membre de l'Assemblée nationale du gouvernement du Québec a statué, le 1er septembre 2011, contre ma candidature à ce programme: «Il n'y a pas de solution», a-t-il déclaré.

Dans l'espoir que ce genre de réponse cesse de sortir de la bouche des décideurs gouvernementaux, que les idées nouvelles soient mieux accueillies, et que les politiques publiques appuient l'innovation et le développement du gouvernement ouvert, je poursuis mon mandat avec diligence. J'invite la communauté francophone à participer activement à ce groupe de réflexion. Le projet se poursuit jusqu'à la mi-juin 2012.

Pour en savoir plus à propos du projet, vidéo de présentation (avec sous-titres en français)
Adresse de la plate-forme: http://edgeryders.ppa.coe.int

Where are the current challenges to open government?

This post is an answer John F Moore's questions, from Government in the Lab,

'What is the biggest challenge to open government success?
Is open government progressing as you expected?
Where are the current challenges?'

No, open government isn't progressing as much as I would like to. To such an extent that I worry if it isn't just any fad.

There are several factors that hinder the development of this new trend in public management. A couple of months ago, Kieran Harrop, from British Colombia, wrote a post about 'Risk Aversion', being one of the greatest risks. I quite agree with him. 'Risk aversion and fear of the unknown thwarts public institutions from realizing the benefits of open government.' She Kieran's post: http://govinthelab.com/open-government-risk-aversion-one-of-government%E2%80%99s-greatest-risks/

Mark Garriga from Spain speaks of 'integrity' in his Edgeryders mission report, Desde Web Analytics hasta OpenData // From WebAnalytics to OpenData http://edgeryders.ppa.coe.int/share-your-ryde/mission_case/desde-web-analytics-hasta-opendata-webanalytics-opendata

In order to have more integrity, we need to define new model of leadership based on a new model of 'luminous' Human being. Communities of philosophers, like Michel Filippi from France, can help us to define these new models.

There are still mountains of work to do. Fear is our greatest enemy. Poverty is another (lack of contracts and jobs in this area).

There are people who have visions of open government. There are people who dream of that, and continue to hope that open government will become a main trend of public management. Gather them into collaborative teams, highlight their visions, and create a maximum of leaders. I believe that this is one way to drive change. http://edgeryders.ppa.coe.int/shine-some-light/mission_case/how-can-we-drive-change

Help each opengov activist to define his/her vision. This is what I can help to do right now, via Edgeryders.

I wish I had clearer answers. But that's all I see for now. Each month, by talking to people from my network and sharing with them about these issues, the path becomes clearer in my mind.

A comprehensive strategy, I do not know if this is too ambitious. We often criticize the lack of vision of political leaders. John, you often talk about 'fearless leaders'. Do these leaders exist? Who are they? Where are they? Someone, somewhere, has to develop a global vision of open government, and share it with the highest spheres of power. Is there an institution to fund these efforts? I believe that as a community, we can succeed in defining visions, and bring all of these visions into a bigger scope, all-encompassing vision.

When I get to see things very clearly in my mind, at this precise point of space and time, the seed of intention gets planted in my soul, and the order for materialization of my thoughts is placed. I do not know how it happens. I just need to believe. This is how the human mind works, through visualisation, intent, and hope. We are creators. Citizens, they should be co-creators with their government. I know it would be a good thing. How to materialize it? I am still looking for answers...

How can we drive change?

A few days ago, Johh F Moore, from Government in the Lab, asked me this question: “HOW CAN WE DRIVE CHANGE?“.

(That's a big question, John!)

Interestingly, at the same time, I was having a discussion at Edgeryders with the French experimental philosopher Michel Fillippi. He answered more or less the same thing I told John, but he used different words, he used philosopher’s words.

My answer to John --- an intuition --- was to highlight people (for instance, Edgeryders participants), and have them emerge as leaders.

Michel Fillippi's answer is to have the most numerous leaders emerge, and he explained why.

Here is what Michel Filippi told me, via the following Edgeryders status, http://edgeryders.ppa.coe.int/statuses/552):

(My translation) “We should seek for various possibilities, different leaderships. Why? The first reason behind (this method) is because it’s systemic. Every leader is to create a world, a system (as defined in the General Systems Theory). A system grows and becomes more unstable. Any system involves a becoming. Several competing systems allow individuals to engage in various futures and this prevents a system to seek its maximum state, therefore, prevents it to reach a maximum instability. Individuals must be taught not to seek unique solutions, not to aim to a state of perfection. We should also know that all creation, any system design, generates violence because a state of energy is being released, or the convening of power to make it work. Nothing is done in calmness, quietness. Therefore, (efforts should focus on) having the most numerous leaders emerge, while preventing one leader in particular from becoming dominant. (When in a process) of structuring, (it is preferable) to avoid convergence and develop even opposed themes. I think – as I have faith in philosophy -, that the debate on "Which people? Which kills, abilities, and so on?" "How the Real in which humans exist?", "What worlds are better?" What does everybody hate?" "What is a civilization?","What does 'being civilized' mean? ","For what, for whom, for what world are we willing to suffer, to die ", these are classics philosophical questions, but they are worth to be re-asked, and be explored again.“

Michel Fillippi continues:

“Yesterday, I visited an exhibition about Buckminster Fuller. There, I read a sentence in which I recognized myself, and I also recognized in it one of these blockages that you mentioned, Lyne, regarding the model. As the model is not externalized, it is not yet perceived as (being in the process) of building, therefore, the (implementing of) change is difficult. We must come to understand that our opinions, beliefs, desires, and perhaps even wishes that we consider to be the most real - a truth that comes from the core of being, the substance of our bodies, our essence itself -, are only constructions that we have absorbed without criticism, without us knowing it could become otherwise.

As for convergence, is a problem in innovation design. A trend of engineers and administrators is to converge as quickly as possible. It is a cognitive model that has been "swallowed" as truth, and indisputable as a procedure based on algorithms, mathematical. However, (it is better) at all costs, to converge as late as possible. Specifically, a design method such as C-K designed at by The School of Mines of Paris (Hatchuel), fight against convergence by using the mathematical notion of "forcing".”

In a few days, on January 9th, Edgeryders will launch its third campaign 'We the people'. One of the four missions of this campaign will focus on open government and open data. A discussion on leadership models and open government models will certainly be helpful to many of us. You are invited to participate to the Edgeryders new campaign, and in the meantime, you can also give a hand to John F Moore, by continuing the discussion on "How to drive change". http://edgeryders.ppa.coe.int/shine-some-light/mission_case/how-can-we-drive-change

Edgeryders necessita la teva collaboració

Un nou projecte dirigit pel Consell d'Europa, (CdE), anomenat Edgeryders, necessita la teva collaboració. El CdE tracta de comprendre com els joves estan construint el nou món en què tots vivim. El coneixement adquirit en aquest grup de reflexió té com a fita influir en el discurs de la política europea. Vostè considera que el govern obert, l'obertura de dades, el we-gov, el govern wiki i altres formes de participació via Internet són part d'aquest món? Si us plau, registreu-vos a la plataforma Edgeryders i expliqui què ha estat fent en aquest àmbit. Per què creu que això és part d'una solució sostenible? El seu suport és important. Hi ha un molt espai per a la collaboració! Edgeryders tindrà tota la saviesa i tota l'ajuda que pugui aconseguir. http://edgeryders.ppa.coe.int